Ronni Radbill: For the Public Radio Energy Project this is Ronni Radbill.

1. (:04 – :25) A US Senate committee this week approved a new round of economic sanctions against Iran, including targeting companies involved in energy ventures with the country. Europe and the United States have stepped up sanctions in recent weeks, targeting Iran’s oil industry and banking system, in an effort to choke off finances they suspect are helping the country build nuclear weapons.

2. (:26 – :48) Members of the International Atomic Energy Agency, back this week from three-day talks in Tehran about the country’s nuclear program, plan to return later this month. Inspectors hope to gather additional information about the disputed program. The UN agency says continued dialogue is significant since Tehran has refused to discuss any aspect of its nuclear agenda for the past few years.

3. (:49 – 1:11)Japan’s Cabinet has approved legislation to strengthen nuclear safety, following last year’s Fukushima disaster, putting a 40-year cap on the operational life of the country’s nuclear plants. Japan currently has no limit on how long any of its 54 reactors can operate. The legislation still needs parliamentary approval… it will allow for 20-year plant extensions.

4. (1:12 – 1:37)Washington plans to boost offshore wind power in the US. Four new wind-leasing areas along the Atlantic coast, roughly 800 square miles from New Jersey to Virginia, will be available for wind farm development. US wind power reportedly has increased more than 30-percent a year for the past five years, but all the growth is onshore. Auctions for the new offshore leases will be held later this year.

5. (1:38 – 2:02) Ocean waves and tidal currents off the US coasts contain enough potential energy to provide as much as 15-percent of the nation’s electricity by 20-30. That’s according to two recent studies from the US Department of Energy. Officials say harnessing the ocean’s energy will require next-generation technology. Roughly 6-percent of America’s electricity now comes from traditional hydro power, such as rivers and dams.